House votes on Hegseth impeachment after midterm losses
A special procedure forces a House vote on eight articles of impeachment against the Defense Secretary before the new congressional term begins in January.
By Ayanda Boateng ·
Kentucky Republican Thomas Massie is forcing a House of Representatives vote to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The move puts pressure on fellow Republicans to decide whether to remove the Pentagon chief following their party's heavy losses in the midterm elections held Tuesday.
Massie introduced eight articles of impeachment on Monday. The charges accuse Hegseth of illegally waging war without congressional authorization. They also cite misconduct involving civilian casualties and military operations in Yemen and Venezuela. The resolution specifically cites a violation of the 1973 War Powers Resolution.
The impeachment push gained momentum after Democrats swept both chambers of Congress in Tuesday's election. Republicans retain control of Congress until new lawmakers take office on January 3. Some Republicans who lost their seats may skip upcoming votes, which could make it easier for the measure to pass. A simple majority in the House is required to bring formal charges.
The House could vote as early as Wednesday. Republican leaders can still try to block the measure through a procedural vote. Massie is using a special congressional procedure to force the chamber to consider the resolution within two legislative days.
Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries, who is expected to become speaker in January, said he supports the resolution. "I'm a hard yes on the Hegseth resolution," Jeffries told ABC News on Sunday. He accused Hegseth of abusing power and engineering a costly war in Iran.
Hegseth has called the effort a "sham" and described Massie as "disgruntled." The Pentagon has rejected the accusations. Arkansas Congressman French Hill said on Sunday he wants to hear the debate before deciding whether the accusations justify impeachment. President Donald Trump has stated he has every intention to keep Hegseth in his role.
The Pentagon announced a press briefing by Hegseth scheduled for Tuesday. Removal from office would require a trial in the Senate and a two-thirds majority vote for conviction. Democrats will control the Senate in January, but they would need substantial Republican support to reach that threshold.
